Central water costs continue to escalate

The cost of central water is on the rise.

To compare water rates of the Town of Urbanna, the Middlesex Water Authority (MWA), and Aqua Virginia Inc. water systems water consumption is assumed to be 8,000 gallons in two months.

Two months is used because Urbanna bills for two months, and the MWA and Aqua Virginia bill monthly.

Urbanna

The water rate for in-town customers is $45.22 for the minimum usage of 6,000 gallons in two months, and $4.20 per 1,000 gallons above the minimum. Urbanna’s charge for 8,000 in two months would be $53.62—that’s  $45.22 for the minimum 6,000 gallons, plus $8.40 for 2,000 gallons.

Urbanna’s water rates increased by 5% in July 2023.

Middlesex Water Authority

The MWA will charge $110.00 for 8,000 gallons used in two months.

The MWA’s new rates effective Feb. 1, equal $55 for the first 4,000 gallons each month. Remaining the same is the charge of one cent per gallon for water over the 4,000 gallon minimum, which equals $10 per 1,000 gallons.

The actual cost for 4,000  gallons of MWA water remains the same as before the minimum was increased.

Aqua Virginia

Aqua Virginia’s current rate for 4,000 gallons per month is $49.51. So, using 8,000 gallons in two months would cost $99.02 plus $36.62 “customer charge” for a total of $135.64.

Aqua has an $18.31 monthly “customer charge” and bills water at $7.80 per 1,000 gallons.

Aqua Virginia is seeking an increase of about 33%.